Baird Concerned by Election Delay in Maldives

“Canada is very concerned by the delay of the Maldives’ runoff election scheduled for September 28 and by reports of the pepper-spraying of the leading presidential candidate, Mohamed Nasheed.

“International election observers, including from the Commonwealth, as well as domestic election observers, all viewed the September 7 election as free and fair. This delay is troublesome and can only lead to more instability.

“We call on the people of the Maldives to work together in a calm and democratic fashion and on judicial authorities to not unduly delay the expression by Maldivians of their democratic will.

“We believe that the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group should discuss this issue at its Friday meeting in New York City.”